Post by David (N4DLT) on Aug 21, 2009 13:26:14 GMT -5
The following is a Q-S-T. Two hams reported safe after a terrorist bomb blast in Kabul. We have one of them here with the story. Also, the ARRL DXCC Desk says yes to the 2000 Yemen, GAREC 09 to take place in Tokyo, a move in Congress to ban all texting while driving and the FCC starts to tweet. All this and more on Amateur Radio Newsline™ report number 1671 coming your way right now.
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RESCUE RADIO: TWO HAMS SAFE FOLLOWING KABUL BLAST
Two hams are safe after a bomb blast rips through a crowded area in Kabul, Afghanastan. One of them is Steve Herman, T6AD, who is a news reporter on assignment in Kabul. He has this report:
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First off I can report that both Jim McLaughlin, T6AF, and this reporter are fine following the suicide car bombing here in Kabul at 08:30 local time on Saturday, August 15th. Sadly, that blast did kill at least seven people and injured nearly 100.
In my case I was at my hotel a few miles away when the explosion occurred. I'm a news correspondent by profession and as you might guess, I did what any newsman would do in a situation like this. I quickly began filing news reports, in my case for the Voice of America.
Jim McLaughlin, T6AF, lives a lot closer to the explosion than I do. He reports a couple of windows in his residence adjacent to the US Embassy, were blown out but his shack is fine. Thankfully, he was not there at the time.
Ironically Jim and I had held our first eyeball QSO only 24 hours earlier. In fact, we met very close to the spot where the bomb went off. That was near the front gate of NATO's military headquarters in the Afghan capital. As far as we know, we may be the only two hams who are actually on the air from this war torn nation.
In Kabul, Afghanistan, I'm Steve Herman, T6AD, for the Amateur Radio Newsline.
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Steve adds that like true hams, by the end of the day, both he and Jim were back on the air. In Steve's case he operates using a Yaesu FT-897 at 100 watts into a G5RV antenna just above what he calls a hot tin roof. You can usually find him on 15, 20, 30 and 40 meters operating either CW and PSK. Steve adds that the noise level in Kabul is nearly always S9 and that most signals are very weak. Because of this he says that your patience in making a QSO happen is very much appreciated. (T6AD, ARNewsline™)
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BREAKING DX NEWS: 2000 YEMEN OPERATION GRANTED DXCC STATUS
Its taken almost a decade but the ARRL DXCC Desk has finally approved the 7O1YGF April 16 through April 26, 2000 operation from Yemen for DXCC accreditation. According to a release from Awards Branch Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, after reviewing recently received information regarding the operation, and after additional dialogue with a leader of the DXpedition, the DXCC desk has approved this operation.
Moore says that considering the length of time that has passed since this operation, he is asking that DXCC participants who would like to claim credit for 7O1YGF follow one of two options. The first is to send their 7O1YGF card by itself to DXCC with a SASE, or return postage if outside the United States. The DXCC will process the card and applicants will not be charged a submission fee.
The alternative is to bring the card to a DXCC Card Checker. The card checker will forward the confirmation to the DXCC desk for processing. Again, there will be no submission fee if this is a single-card submission but you must fill out an application form.
In all other cases applicants can include their QSL card with their next submission, and it will be handled normally. However 7O1YGF cards included with other cards will be handled as part of a normal submission and a normal fee will apply.
And less we forget. The cutoff date for the 2009 DXCC Annual listing and Honor Roll list is December 31st. We will have more DX related news later on in this weeks Newsline report. (ARRL)
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RESCUE RADIO: GAREC-2009 AUGUST 24 AND 25
The Fifth Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference, will be held on August 24thnand 25th in Tokyo, Japan. Norm Seeley, KI7UP, has more:
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Hosted this year by the Japan Amateur Radio League, the theme of the 2009 Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications or GAREC Conference will be "Emergency Communications across Borders." As such, the program will include presentations regarding amateur radio operations during disasters that occurred since last year's conference. There will also be discussions concerning new developments in communications and technology and their application in ham radio emergency communications.
Holding the conference in Tokyo also marks the first time at a Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications will have taken place in ITU Region 3. The first and the second conferences were in Finland in ITU Region 1. The third was here in the USA in Huntsville, Alabama in ITU Region 2. Then it was back to Region 1 in 2008 for the fourth that was held in Germany.
By the way, for those interested in some heavy rescue radio related reading, the proceedings of the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 conferences can be found at the Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications website. A link to it is in this weeks printed Newsline report.
Reporting from Scottsdale, Arizona, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP, for the Amateur Radio Newsline.
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GAREC 2009 is being held in conjunction with the Japan Amateur Radio League's annual Tokyo Ham Fair. Having these rescue radio gatherings annually has become an important factor in developing world standardization of ham radio communications in times of across borders or global emergency communications needs. More is on-line at www.rientola.fi/oh3ag/garec/ (Southgate)
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RADIO REGULATION: FCC STARTS BLOGGING AND TWEETING
Back in the United States, the FCC is now blogging and tweeting. As a result of Chairman Julius Genachowski stated goal that expansion of broadband internet access is at the top of his list of priorities, the regulatory agency has created an on-line blog and has opened a Twitter account as ways of better keeping the public informed on what it is doing on a day to day and hour to hour basis
Both services began on Tuesday, August 18th. In his first post on the new blog Chairman Genachowski stated that the feedback, ideas, and discussions generated will be critical in developing the best possible National Broadband plan possible for the nation. He added that be believes that the new FCC blog demonstrates that the Internet is changing and expanding the way Americans communicate. This, providing them with what he sees as unparalleled access to information.
In conjunction with the blog the FCC is also now operating an account on the Twitter social networking site. Its account that can be accessed at @fccdotgov.
Its believed that the FCC will use Twitter tweets to help promote new initiatives and at the same time press for public involvement on these issues. Tweets are the 140 character messages that Twitter allows. What's not likely is a two-way dialogue between the FCC and others using Twitter. At least the FCC is not following any other Twitter accounts at this time. (FCC and published news reports)
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BREAK 1
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the K6OX repeater serving the city of Lancaster California and the entire Antelope Valley.
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RADIO LAW: SEPTEMBER MEETING IN DC TO DISCUSS TEXTING WHILE MOBILE
A national ban against texting and possibly other forms of communication while mobile could be in the nations future. This with word that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood plans to assemble a group of experts to figure out what to do about drivers who use cell phones and do texting while behind the wheel. Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, reports:
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In an August 4th release Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says that he intends to gather safety advocates, law enforcement and transportation officials, members of Congress and scholars who have studied distracted driving for a summit meeting in September in Washington D.C.. In his statement Secretary LaHood said that everyone knows that text messaging while driving is dangerous and the government is going to do something about it.
While no mention was made regarding the use of two-way radio while driving a vehicle this should be of concern to hams who like to operate mobile in motion. If some sort of federal ban on the use of electronic communications devices while driving does come about it could easily be broad based and all inclusive. This in turn could place hams, CB operators and other two-way radio users in the position of having to seek after the fact exemptions to continue the operations they have safely performed for years.
As we go to air there are fourteen states plus the District of Columbia that have passed laws banning text messaging while driving. Also, many states require the use of hands free devices to use cellular voice telephones while in motion although most have specific exemptions included for federally licensed ham radio operators.
LaHood indicates that that summit meeting will present several recommendations for specific actions to address the problem of distracted drivers on a national level. For ham radio it means keeping a close eye one the outcome and any laws that such a gathering of experts might recommend.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.
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And in a related development ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, has written a letter to the National Safety Council To ensure that Amateur Radio is not an unintended victim of the growing public debate over what to do about distracted drivers. In his note to NSC President Janet Froetscher, Harrison explained that Amateur Radio operators provide essential emergency communications when regular communications channels are disrupted by disaster. Harrison noted that the ability of hams to communicate and help protect the lives of those in danger would be strictly hindered if the federal, state and local governments to not ensure that amateur radio operators can continue the use of their mobile radios while on the road. (Published news report and ARRL)
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RESCUE RADIO: NEW HAM RADIO HOTLINE IN INDIA
Ham radio based rescue radio continues to grow in India. Its latest expansion is a new joint agreement announced on Wednesday, August 12th between the Amateur Radio Society of India and the Indian Red Cross Society to establish a radio hotline. It was inaugurated by Governor of Karnataka, and is located on the premises of the Red Cross Society.
The facility installed at the station includes, high frequency and VHF radios and antennas that can be used for local, as well as long distance communications. The station has been assigned the call VU2ZH by the Ministry of Communication, Government of India.
According to the society, ham radio operators in India have provided communication links during the Indian Ocean tsunami, Latur earthquake, Koyna dam disaster and during numerous floods and hurricanes, in the recent past.
(Deccan Hearald)
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RESCUE RADIO: NHC HAM STATION FEATURED IN NATIONAL DURACELL COMMERCIAL
WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center is featured in a 60 second radio spot for Duracell batteries. The commercial, which begins airing this month, highlights the efforts of the volunteers who man and assist the ham radio operations for National Hurricane Center station WX4NHC.
With a voice over by actor Jeff Bridges, the spot describes the important role that radio amateurs play during severe weather conditions by enabling communications with police and fire departments along with other first responders when electrical service and telephones go away. The narration underscores the importance of a reliable battery to power the portable ham radio gear which the spot describes as essential to the work of WX4NHC.
The commercial is being played nationally during hurricane season. It should help promote awareness of the vital public service role played by amateur radio. You can hear the new Duracell ham radio spot at the link found at www dot arnewsline dot org
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THE SOCIAL SCENE: A REVIEW OF THE ARRL SW DIVISION CONVENTION
Turning to the ham radio social scene, the August 15th one day convention in Santa Barbara, California, that took the place of the usual 3 day ARRL Southwestern Division show that was almost cancelled earlier this year appears to have been more than a mild success. According to Dave Bell,, W6AQ, about 500 or so drove from sweltering Los Angeles and other areas to the seashore community with 450 signed up for the famed Santa Barbara barbecue lunch alone.
Not a lot of big name exhibitors but some important names were there. These included Ham Radio Outlet, Vertex-Standard Yaesu, and Elecraft. In fact Elecraft showed their new P3 Pan-Adapter for the first time. W6AQ was told that the techs at Elecraft literally finished putting together this prototype at 2 AM in the morning and then drove all the way down from Aptos California to be in Santa Barbara in time for the gates to open.
The ARRL was represented by Southwestern Division Director Dick Norton, N6AA, Vice Director Marty Woll, N6VI and Washington attorney Christopher D. Imlay, W3KD. And while small by comparison to any past ARRL Southwestern Division Convention that anyone can remember, nobody is complaining. In fact there are at least 500 hams who are singing the praises of the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club which heroically stepped forward and picked up the pieces at the last minute, when the original sponsoring group pulled out. Or put another way, sometimes the best things come in the smallest packages.
(W6AQ)
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: BOB HEIL K9EID TO PERFORM ORGAN CONCERT IN SACRAMENTO
Some names in the news. First up is ham radio's "Mr. Audio," Bob Heil, K9EID. Bob will perform in concert on the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ at the California Auto Museum in Sacramento, California on Sunday, September 27th. The performance starts at 2 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time and is free with a paid museum admission fee.
As some of you may know, Bob learned the art of playing theater organ a student of legendary organist Stan Kann. In making the announcement of the upcoming concert Bob says that he has always loved the rich, pretty sounds of the Wurlitzer. Now he is looking forward to sharing the experience with both his amateur radio friends and his theater organ fans in the Sacramento area.
Again the concert is free with a paid admission to the museum. For more information, call (916) 442-6802 or take your web browser to www dot sierrachapteratos dot org.
(CGC)
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: THREE NEW ARRL SM'S ELECTED
Los Angeles, California has a new ARRL Section Manager. This with word that David Greenhut, N6HD, of Woodland Hills, has been elected to that post after beating out 11 term incumbent Phineas Icenbice, W6BF. Greenhut received 838 votes while Icenbice garnered only 149.
Meantime in South Texas, Lee H. Cooper, W6LHC, was elected Section Manager with 647 votes. Challengers Lou Everett, Sr, WA5LOU, received 601 votes and Gary Tangrady, K5GST, of San Antonio, received 142. Cooper will be taking on the Section Manager's role from Ray Taylor, N5NAV, of San Antonio. Section Manager since 1997, Taylor decided not to run for another term.
And Georgia will be getting a new Section Manager starting on October 1st. This as Eugene "Gene" Clark, W4AYK steps into the position taking over from Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, who has been Section Manager since 2002. Swiderski, who is the co-recipient of this year's Joe Knight Distinguished Service Award, decided not to run for another term of office. Clark has been the Georgia Section Emergency Coordinator for the last year and was a District Emergency Coordinator prior to that appointment.
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This is ham radio news for today’s radio amateur. From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:
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RADIO AWARDS: OMIK SCHOLARSHIP FUND SURPASSESW $100,000 AWARDED
The OMIK Radio Scholarship Fund has now surpassed $100,000.00 in educational monies awarded. This with word from Richard Reese, WA8DBW, that the fund presented a $1000 check to Caitlin Grey of Wadsworth, Ohio, to help defray her future education costs.
Reese says that Caitlin Grey was the top recipient selected from a nationwide list of applicants. She graduated with honors from Wadsworth High School in May of 2009. While attending, she was involved in her Student Council, the National Honor Society, and several important projects. She was also a member of the yearbook staff and a varsity cheerleader an academic and athletic letterman and received the United States Achievement Academy award of excellence in a foreign language.
The OMIK Scholarship Fund is a separate organization of the OMIK Amateur Radio Association, Inc. The fund was established to manage and administer the OMIK sponsored scholarship program. According WA8DBW, the Fund’s goal is to provide financial assistance to deserving youth who are pursuing education beyond high school.
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: FAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED
And the Foundation for Amateur Radio has announced the list of recipients for the 2009 through 2010 academic year scholarship awards. Topping the list is 2008 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year Emily Stewart, KC0PTL, of Leavenworth, Kansas. Emily will be receiving a $1000 grant from the Ralph V. “Andy” Anderson, K0NL, Memorial Scholarship which is one of many administered by the foundation.
A complete list of all the recipients of this latest series of Foundation for Amateur Radio administered scholarship grants can be found on the front newspage at QRZ.com. We at the Amateur Radio congratulate Emily and all of this years scholarship award winners and thank the Foundation for Amateur Radio for its ongoing work to make these educational grants available each year.
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: NEW ON-LINE HAMSAT MAP
A map showing the current satellite location for most of the amateur satellites are now available on the AMSAT web site. From the AMSAT front page, use the left hand side navigation, go to the 'Satellite Information' navigation box, then select 'Satellite Status. Next click on an underlined satellite name in the left hand column. This will display a satellite summary, scroll to the bottom of the page and there will be a map showing the current location of that satellite and the illuminated and dark portions of the earth. This feature can be used for a quick check of the satellite's location or to verify that your tracking program was setup correctly. W2GPS and N2YO are the duo who have provided this useful new feature. (WA4SXM)
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RADIO AND SPACE: AIR FOCE PERMITS AMSAT TO CONTINUE KEPS
AMSAT North America has received approval from the Air Force Space Command to continue re-distribution of Keplerian elements data sourced from the Space Track website.. This means that the AMSAT Keplerian Elements in verbose format and the 2-line format can be freely distributed by those who receive them from AMSAT. The agreement covers the period of April 1, 2009 to April 1, 2010. (WA5QGD, ANS)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: AMSAT-UK COLOQUIUM VIDEOS NOW ON LINE
Videos of the presentations at this years AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium are now available to watch on the British Amateur Television Club website. All 18 sessions can be seen at www.batc.tv
(Southgate)
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WORLDBEAT: OFCOM SAYS OK TO SPECIAL EVENT SCOTLAND LOCATOR
U-K telecommunications regulator Ofcom will permit Scottish hams to participate in the upcoming Homecoming Scotland celebrations. Individual qualifying licensees will be able to obtain a special temporary authority enabling them to use the Regional Secondary Locator of the letter A for Alba to identify their station as being situated in Scotland. This locator will be available in addition to the existing identifier M, though only one locator should be used in a callsign. The permit to do this will not be valid for stations situated outside Scotland. Homecoming Scotland is an event celebrating that nations contributions to the world. (Southgate)
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ON THE AIR: 30 METER MULTI-MODE WEEKEND
August 22nd to the 23rd has been designated as 30 Meter Multi-Mode Weekend. The objective is to promote experimenting and using different digital modes on unique 30 Meter Band. A number of digital mode groups will be participating this weekend so if you wanted to try out a mode you have thought about trying here is your chance to get on the 30 Meter Band to try those digital modes and/or try a digital modes software that includes multiple digital modes, More information is at www.hamspots.net/30 (KB9UMT)
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BREAK 3
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:
(5 sec pause here)
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ON THE AIR: VHF ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
Meantime if you want to try your luck DXing VHF across the Atlantic pond, be aware that Sunday, August 30th is the date for the Ireland's Autumn 2 Meter Counties Contest. This event takes place between 14.00 and 16.00 local time in Ireland. The full rules are available on the IRTS website under the contest tab. QSL any stations you work as directed by them on the air.
DX
In DX, word that G4MKP, will be active stroke 5B from Cypress through August 25th. His activity will be mainly CW and RTTY on 80 through 10 meters. Look for him during the mornings and evenings on or around 7.010, 14.010, 21.010 and 28.020 MHz running Morse. His RTTY anywhere in the band segment. QSL via M0URX, direct or via E-mail request for a bureau QSL.
PA2AM, will be active as 9H3DZ from Malta between September 4th to the 14th. His operation will be active mostly on 30, 17 and 12 meters using CW and RTTY. QSL via his home callsign.
3B7FQ will be active from St. Brandon Island until the end of August. He will operate CW and SSB in his spare time and will use the island's G5RV and a vertical with a 100 watt transceiver powered by a 12 volt
battery that will be charged daily. QSL via K5XK. He says that direct is preferred.
F2VX and F6FYD will be active portable 4J from Azerbaijan until August 29th. August. They will operate SSB on the HF bands. QSL via their home calls, either direct or via the bureau.
Lastly, W8SMH has just received his Kenyan license and will active portable 5Z4 from Nairobi for the next 3 years. Steve is on assignment with the Salvation Army as second in command at their headquarters in Nairobi. His travel schedule may limit his operating, and he is a rookie at DX operations so please be patient. His other limiting factor is that Nairobi is experiencing power shortages and as a result they are doing rolling blackouts 2 or 3 days a week in his area. Steve's equipment is an Icom IC-718, dipoles and a multi-band vertical. QSL direct to his home callsign on QRZ.com with an IRC or SASE.
(Above from various DX News sources)
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THAT FINAL ITEM: ANDREW KOENIG RESENTED WITH 2009 YHOTY AWARD
And finally this week its time to celebrate the achievements of another of the nations young radio amateurs. His name is Andrew Koenig, callsign KE5GDB, and on Saturday, August 15th he was introduced at the Huntsville Hamfest as the 2009 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year. Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, represented Amateur Radio Newsline at the presentation and also has this report:
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While the tropics were heating up in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico it was brilliant sunshine in Huntsville Alabama, where we honored a brilliant young man as the recipient of the 2009 Young Ham Of The Year award, Andrew Koenig, KE5GDB. Andrew is a 15 year old rising star in the ham radio and space radio world. He not only helped set up a successful ARISS school contact but he also helps train astronauts in the ins & outs of talking to students participating in these contacts at the Johnson Space Center in his hometown of Houston, Texas. He has also helped in the maintenance and moderation of W5KUB’s chat room on his hamfest video website. He’s an engaging young man who is going places. But he didn’t do it alone:
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Award presentation audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 version of this weeks newscast at www.arnewsline.org.
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Of course, we weren’t alone in this either. Corporate sponsor CQ publishing’s Rich Moseson, W2VU on what it takes to win this award:
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Award presentation audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 version of this weeks newscast at www.arnewsline.org.
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Rich presented Andrew with a week at Spacecamp courtesy of CQ Magazine as well as copies of all of their other publications. But that’s not all. Yeasu’s Dennis Motschenbacher, K7BV:
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Award presentation audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 version of this weeks newscast at www.arnewsline.org.
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Next up was Heil Sound’s Chip Margelli, K7JA.
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Award presentation audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 version of this weeks newscast at www.arnewsline.org.
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Chip of course pulling out his cellphone making reference to his now-famous appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Next up was Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, ARRL Southeastern Division Director with congratulations for Andrew:
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Award presentation audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 version of this weeks newscast at www.arnewsline.org.
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I dedicated this years award in the memory of a great friend to Newsline, Sandy Donahue, W4RU who passed away in May of this year. Sandy was instrumental in getting the award to Huntsville some 15 years ago and served as a greeter, taxi service or whatever we needed him to do for the winner. Sandy was a friend to all and we at the Amateur Radio Newsline miss him very much. Again, congratulations to Andrew Koenig, KE5GDB, your 2009 Young Ham Of The Year.
Thanks again to our corporate sponsors, CQ Publishing, Vertex Standard Yaesu, Heil Sound, Dave Bell W6AQ for the fine plaque, and Charlie Emerson, N4OKL and all at the Huntsville Hamfest for having us. We’ll see you again next year on the third weekend in August for the 2010 Young Ham Of The Year award.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m Don Wilbanks, AE5DW.
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Between Santa Barbara and Huntsville it was two great ham radio conventions and one very happy teenage ham. (AE5DW, ARNewsline™, YHOTY)
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NEWSCAST CLOSE
With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the Southgate News and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline™. Our e-mail address is newsline@arnewsline.org. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline's™ only official website located at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline™, P.O. Box 660937, Arcadia, California 91066.
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I’m Jeff Clark, K8JAC, saying 73 and we thank you for listening.
Amateur Radio Newsline™ is Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
__________________
Fred Lloyd, AA7BQ
Publisher, QRZ.COM
aa7bq@qrz.com
**
RESCUE RADIO: TWO HAMS SAFE FOLLOWING KABUL BLAST
Two hams are safe after a bomb blast rips through a crowded area in Kabul, Afghanastan. One of them is Steve Herman, T6AD, who is a news reporter on assignment in Kabul. He has this report:
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First off I can report that both Jim McLaughlin, T6AF, and this reporter are fine following the suicide car bombing here in Kabul at 08:30 local time on Saturday, August 15th. Sadly, that blast did kill at least seven people and injured nearly 100.
In my case I was at my hotel a few miles away when the explosion occurred. I'm a news correspondent by profession and as you might guess, I did what any newsman would do in a situation like this. I quickly began filing news reports, in my case for the Voice of America.
Jim McLaughlin, T6AF, lives a lot closer to the explosion than I do. He reports a couple of windows in his residence adjacent to the US Embassy, were blown out but his shack is fine. Thankfully, he was not there at the time.
Ironically Jim and I had held our first eyeball QSO only 24 hours earlier. In fact, we met very close to the spot where the bomb went off. That was near the front gate of NATO's military headquarters in the Afghan capital. As far as we know, we may be the only two hams who are actually on the air from this war torn nation.
In Kabul, Afghanistan, I'm Steve Herman, T6AD, for the Amateur Radio Newsline.
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Steve adds that like true hams, by the end of the day, both he and Jim were back on the air. In Steve's case he operates using a Yaesu FT-897 at 100 watts into a G5RV antenna just above what he calls a hot tin roof. You can usually find him on 15, 20, 30 and 40 meters operating either CW and PSK. Steve adds that the noise level in Kabul is nearly always S9 and that most signals are very weak. Because of this he says that your patience in making a QSO happen is very much appreciated. (T6AD, ARNewsline™)
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BREAKING DX NEWS: 2000 YEMEN OPERATION GRANTED DXCC STATUS
Its taken almost a decade but the ARRL DXCC Desk has finally approved the 7O1YGF April 16 through April 26, 2000 operation from Yemen for DXCC accreditation. According to a release from Awards Branch Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, after reviewing recently received information regarding the operation, and after additional dialogue with a leader of the DXpedition, the DXCC desk has approved this operation.
Moore says that considering the length of time that has passed since this operation, he is asking that DXCC participants who would like to claim credit for 7O1YGF follow one of two options. The first is to send their 7O1YGF card by itself to DXCC with a SASE, or return postage if outside the United States. The DXCC will process the card and applicants will not be charged a submission fee.
The alternative is to bring the card to a DXCC Card Checker. The card checker will forward the confirmation to the DXCC desk for processing. Again, there will be no submission fee if this is a single-card submission but you must fill out an application form.
In all other cases applicants can include their QSL card with their next submission, and it will be handled normally. However 7O1YGF cards included with other cards will be handled as part of a normal submission and a normal fee will apply.
And less we forget. The cutoff date for the 2009 DXCC Annual listing and Honor Roll list is December 31st. We will have more DX related news later on in this weeks Newsline report. (ARRL)
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RESCUE RADIO: GAREC-2009 AUGUST 24 AND 25
The Fifth Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference, will be held on August 24thnand 25th in Tokyo, Japan. Norm Seeley, KI7UP, has more:
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Hosted this year by the Japan Amateur Radio League, the theme of the 2009 Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications or GAREC Conference will be "Emergency Communications across Borders." As such, the program will include presentations regarding amateur radio operations during disasters that occurred since last year's conference. There will also be discussions concerning new developments in communications and technology and their application in ham radio emergency communications.
Holding the conference in Tokyo also marks the first time at a Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications will have taken place in ITU Region 3. The first and the second conferences were in Finland in ITU Region 1. The third was here in the USA in Huntsville, Alabama in ITU Region 2. Then it was back to Region 1 in 2008 for the fourth that was held in Germany.
By the way, for those interested in some heavy rescue radio related reading, the proceedings of the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 conferences can be found at the Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications website. A link to it is in this weeks printed Newsline report.
Reporting from Scottsdale, Arizona, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP, for the Amateur Radio Newsline.
--
GAREC 2009 is being held in conjunction with the Japan Amateur Radio League's annual Tokyo Ham Fair. Having these rescue radio gatherings annually has become an important factor in developing world standardization of ham radio communications in times of across borders or global emergency communications needs. More is on-line at www.rientola.fi/oh3ag/garec/ (Southgate)
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RADIO REGULATION: FCC STARTS BLOGGING AND TWEETING
Back in the United States, the FCC is now blogging and tweeting. As a result of Chairman Julius Genachowski stated goal that expansion of broadband internet access is at the top of his list of priorities, the regulatory agency has created an on-line blog and has opened a Twitter account as ways of better keeping the public informed on what it is doing on a day to day and hour to hour basis
Both services began on Tuesday, August 18th. In his first post on the new blog Chairman Genachowski stated that the feedback, ideas, and discussions generated will be critical in developing the best possible National Broadband plan possible for the nation. He added that be believes that the new FCC blog demonstrates that the Internet is changing and expanding the way Americans communicate. This, providing them with what he sees as unparalleled access to information.
In conjunction with the blog the FCC is also now operating an account on the Twitter social networking site. Its account that can be accessed at @fccdotgov.
Its believed that the FCC will use Twitter tweets to help promote new initiatives and at the same time press for public involvement on these issues. Tweets are the 140 character messages that Twitter allows. What's not likely is a two-way dialogue between the FCC and others using Twitter. At least the FCC is not following any other Twitter accounts at this time. (FCC and published news reports)
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BREAK 1
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the K6OX repeater serving the city of Lancaster California and the entire Antelope Valley.
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RADIO LAW: SEPTEMBER MEETING IN DC TO DISCUSS TEXTING WHILE MOBILE
A national ban against texting and possibly other forms of communication while mobile could be in the nations future. This with word that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood plans to assemble a group of experts to figure out what to do about drivers who use cell phones and do texting while behind the wheel. Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, reports:
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In an August 4th release Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says that he intends to gather safety advocates, law enforcement and transportation officials, members of Congress and scholars who have studied distracted driving for a summit meeting in September in Washington D.C.. In his statement Secretary LaHood said that everyone knows that text messaging while driving is dangerous and the government is going to do something about it.
While no mention was made regarding the use of two-way radio while driving a vehicle this should be of concern to hams who like to operate mobile in motion. If some sort of federal ban on the use of electronic communications devices while driving does come about it could easily be broad based and all inclusive. This in turn could place hams, CB operators and other two-way radio users in the position of having to seek after the fact exemptions to continue the operations they have safely performed for years.
As we go to air there are fourteen states plus the District of Columbia that have passed laws banning text messaging while driving. Also, many states require the use of hands free devices to use cellular voice telephones while in motion although most have specific exemptions included for federally licensed ham radio operators.
LaHood indicates that that summit meeting will present several recommendations for specific actions to address the problem of distracted drivers on a national level. For ham radio it means keeping a close eye one the outcome and any laws that such a gathering of experts might recommend.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.
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And in a related development ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, has written a letter to the National Safety Council To ensure that Amateur Radio is not an unintended victim of the growing public debate over what to do about distracted drivers. In his note to NSC President Janet Froetscher, Harrison explained that Amateur Radio operators provide essential emergency communications when regular communications channels are disrupted by disaster. Harrison noted that the ability of hams to communicate and help protect the lives of those in danger would be strictly hindered if the federal, state and local governments to not ensure that amateur radio operators can continue the use of their mobile radios while on the road. (Published news report and ARRL)
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RESCUE RADIO: NEW HAM RADIO HOTLINE IN INDIA
Ham radio based rescue radio continues to grow in India. Its latest expansion is a new joint agreement announced on Wednesday, August 12th between the Amateur Radio Society of India and the Indian Red Cross Society to establish a radio hotline. It was inaugurated by Governor of Karnataka, and is located on the premises of the Red Cross Society.
The facility installed at the station includes, high frequency and VHF radios and antennas that can be used for local, as well as long distance communications. The station has been assigned the call VU2ZH by the Ministry of Communication, Government of India.
According to the society, ham radio operators in India have provided communication links during the Indian Ocean tsunami, Latur earthquake, Koyna dam disaster and during numerous floods and hurricanes, in the recent past.
(Deccan Hearald)
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RESCUE RADIO: NHC HAM STATION FEATURED IN NATIONAL DURACELL COMMERCIAL
WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center is featured in a 60 second radio spot for Duracell batteries. The commercial, which begins airing this month, highlights the efforts of the volunteers who man and assist the ham radio operations for National Hurricane Center station WX4NHC.
With a voice over by actor Jeff Bridges, the spot describes the important role that radio amateurs play during severe weather conditions by enabling communications with police and fire departments along with other first responders when electrical service and telephones go away. The narration underscores the importance of a reliable battery to power the portable ham radio gear which the spot describes as essential to the work of WX4NHC.
The commercial is being played nationally during hurricane season. It should help promote awareness of the vital public service role played by amateur radio. You can hear the new Duracell ham radio spot at the link found at www dot arnewsline dot org
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THE SOCIAL SCENE: A REVIEW OF THE ARRL SW DIVISION CONVENTION
Turning to the ham radio social scene, the August 15th one day convention in Santa Barbara, California, that took the place of the usual 3 day ARRL Southwestern Division show that was almost cancelled earlier this year appears to have been more than a mild success. According to Dave Bell,, W6AQ, about 500 or so drove from sweltering Los Angeles and other areas to the seashore community with 450 signed up for the famed Santa Barbara barbecue lunch alone.
Not a lot of big name exhibitors but some important names were there. These included Ham Radio Outlet, Vertex-Standard Yaesu, and Elecraft. In fact Elecraft showed their new P3 Pan-Adapter for the first time. W6AQ was told that the techs at Elecraft literally finished putting together this prototype at 2 AM in the morning and then drove all the way down from Aptos California to be in Santa Barbara in time for the gates to open.
The ARRL was represented by Southwestern Division Director Dick Norton, N6AA, Vice Director Marty Woll, N6VI and Washington attorney Christopher D. Imlay, W3KD. And while small by comparison to any past ARRL Southwestern Division Convention that anyone can remember, nobody is complaining. In fact there are at least 500 hams who are singing the praises of the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club which heroically stepped forward and picked up the pieces at the last minute, when the original sponsoring group pulled out. Or put another way, sometimes the best things come in the smallest packages.
(W6AQ)
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: BOB HEIL K9EID TO PERFORM ORGAN CONCERT IN SACRAMENTO
Some names in the news. First up is ham radio's "Mr. Audio," Bob Heil, K9EID. Bob will perform in concert on the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ at the California Auto Museum in Sacramento, California on Sunday, September 27th. The performance starts at 2 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time and is free with a paid museum admission fee.
As some of you may know, Bob learned the art of playing theater organ a student of legendary organist Stan Kann. In making the announcement of the upcoming concert Bob says that he has always loved the rich, pretty sounds of the Wurlitzer. Now he is looking forward to sharing the experience with both his amateur radio friends and his theater organ fans in the Sacramento area.
Again the concert is free with a paid admission to the museum. For more information, call (916) 442-6802 or take your web browser to www dot sierrachapteratos dot org.
(CGC)
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: THREE NEW ARRL SM'S ELECTED
Los Angeles, California has a new ARRL Section Manager. This with word that David Greenhut, N6HD, of Woodland Hills, has been elected to that post after beating out 11 term incumbent Phineas Icenbice, W6BF. Greenhut received 838 votes while Icenbice garnered only 149.
Meantime in South Texas, Lee H. Cooper, W6LHC, was elected Section Manager with 647 votes. Challengers Lou Everett, Sr, WA5LOU, received 601 votes and Gary Tangrady, K5GST, of San Antonio, received 142. Cooper will be taking on the Section Manager's role from Ray Taylor, N5NAV, of San Antonio. Section Manager since 1997, Taylor decided not to run for another term.
And Georgia will be getting a new Section Manager starting on October 1st. This as Eugene "Gene" Clark, W4AYK steps into the position taking over from Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, who has been Section Manager since 2002. Swiderski, who is the co-recipient of this year's Joe Knight Distinguished Service Award, decided not to run for another term of office. Clark has been the Georgia Section Emergency Coordinator for the last year and was a District Emergency Coordinator prior to that appointment.
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This is ham radio news for today’s radio amateur. From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:
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RADIO AWARDS: OMIK SCHOLARSHIP FUND SURPASSESW $100,000 AWARDED
The OMIK Radio Scholarship Fund has now surpassed $100,000.00 in educational monies awarded. This with word from Richard Reese, WA8DBW, that the fund presented a $1000 check to Caitlin Grey of Wadsworth, Ohio, to help defray her future education costs.
Reese says that Caitlin Grey was the top recipient selected from a nationwide list of applicants. She graduated with honors from Wadsworth High School in May of 2009. While attending, she was involved in her Student Council, the National Honor Society, and several important projects. She was also a member of the yearbook staff and a varsity cheerleader an academic and athletic letterman and received the United States Achievement Academy award of excellence in a foreign language.
The OMIK Scholarship Fund is a separate organization of the OMIK Amateur Radio Association, Inc. The fund was established to manage and administer the OMIK sponsored scholarship program. According WA8DBW, the Fund’s goal is to provide financial assistance to deserving youth who are pursuing education beyond high school.
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: FAR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED
And the Foundation for Amateur Radio has announced the list of recipients for the 2009 through 2010 academic year scholarship awards. Topping the list is 2008 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year Emily Stewart, KC0PTL, of Leavenworth, Kansas. Emily will be receiving a $1000 grant from the Ralph V. “Andy” Anderson, K0NL, Memorial Scholarship which is one of many administered by the foundation.
A complete list of all the recipients of this latest series of Foundation for Amateur Radio administered scholarship grants can be found on the front newspage at QRZ.com. We at the Amateur Radio congratulate Emily and all of this years scholarship award winners and thank the Foundation for Amateur Radio for its ongoing work to make these educational grants available each year.
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: NEW ON-LINE HAMSAT MAP
A map showing the current satellite location for most of the amateur satellites are now available on the AMSAT web site. From the AMSAT front page, use the left hand side navigation, go to the 'Satellite Information' navigation box, then select 'Satellite Status. Next click on an underlined satellite name in the left hand column. This will display a satellite summary, scroll to the bottom of the page and there will be a map showing the current location of that satellite and the illuminated and dark portions of the earth. This feature can be used for a quick check of the satellite's location or to verify that your tracking program was setup correctly. W2GPS and N2YO are the duo who have provided this useful new feature. (WA4SXM)
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RADIO AND SPACE: AIR FOCE PERMITS AMSAT TO CONTINUE KEPS
AMSAT North America has received approval from the Air Force Space Command to continue re-distribution of Keplerian elements data sourced from the Space Track website.. This means that the AMSAT Keplerian Elements in verbose format and the 2-line format can be freely distributed by those who receive them from AMSAT. The agreement covers the period of April 1, 2009 to April 1, 2010. (WA5QGD, ANS)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: AMSAT-UK COLOQUIUM VIDEOS NOW ON LINE
Videos of the presentations at this years AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium are now available to watch on the British Amateur Television Club website. All 18 sessions can be seen at www.batc.tv
(Southgate)
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WORLDBEAT: OFCOM SAYS OK TO SPECIAL EVENT SCOTLAND LOCATOR
U-K telecommunications regulator Ofcom will permit Scottish hams to participate in the upcoming Homecoming Scotland celebrations. Individual qualifying licensees will be able to obtain a special temporary authority enabling them to use the Regional Secondary Locator of the letter A for Alba to identify their station as being situated in Scotland. This locator will be available in addition to the existing identifier M, though only one locator should be used in a callsign. The permit to do this will not be valid for stations situated outside Scotland. Homecoming Scotland is an event celebrating that nations contributions to the world. (Southgate)
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ON THE AIR: 30 METER MULTI-MODE WEEKEND
August 22nd to the 23rd has been designated as 30 Meter Multi-Mode Weekend. The objective is to promote experimenting and using different digital modes on unique 30 Meter Band. A number of digital mode groups will be participating this weekend so if you wanted to try out a mode you have thought about trying here is your chance to get on the 30 Meter Band to try those digital modes and/or try a digital modes software that includes multiple digital modes, More information is at www.hamspots.net/30 (KB9UMT)
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From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:
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ON THE AIR: VHF ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
Meantime if you want to try your luck DXing VHF across the Atlantic pond, be aware that Sunday, August 30th is the date for the Ireland's Autumn 2 Meter Counties Contest. This event takes place between 14.00 and 16.00 local time in Ireland. The full rules are available on the IRTS website under the contest tab. QSL any stations you work as directed by them on the air.
DX
In DX, word that G4MKP, will be active stroke 5B from Cypress through August 25th. His activity will be mainly CW and RTTY on 80 through 10 meters. Look for him during the mornings and evenings on or around 7.010, 14.010, 21.010 and 28.020 MHz running Morse. His RTTY anywhere in the band segment. QSL via M0URX, direct or via E-mail request for a bureau QSL.
PA2AM, will be active as 9H3DZ from Malta between September 4th to the 14th. His operation will be active mostly on 30, 17 and 12 meters using CW and RTTY. QSL via his home callsign.
3B7FQ will be active from St. Brandon Island until the end of August. He will operate CW and SSB in his spare time and will use the island's G5RV and a vertical with a 100 watt transceiver powered by a 12 volt
battery that will be charged daily. QSL via K5XK. He says that direct is preferred.
F2VX and F6FYD will be active portable 4J from Azerbaijan until August 29th. August. They will operate SSB on the HF bands. QSL via their home calls, either direct or via the bureau.
Lastly, W8SMH has just received his Kenyan license and will active portable 5Z4 from Nairobi for the next 3 years. Steve is on assignment with the Salvation Army as second in command at their headquarters in Nairobi. His travel schedule may limit his operating, and he is a rookie at DX operations so please be patient. His other limiting factor is that Nairobi is experiencing power shortages and as a result they are doing rolling blackouts 2 or 3 days a week in his area. Steve's equipment is an Icom IC-718, dipoles and a multi-band vertical. QSL direct to his home callsign on QRZ.com with an IRC or SASE.
(Above from various DX News sources)
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THAT FINAL ITEM: ANDREW KOENIG RESENTED WITH 2009 YHOTY AWARD
And finally this week its time to celebrate the achievements of another of the nations young radio amateurs. His name is Andrew Koenig, callsign KE5GDB, and on Saturday, August 15th he was introduced at the Huntsville Hamfest as the 2009 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year. Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, represented Amateur Radio Newsline at the presentation and also has this report:
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While the tropics were heating up in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico it was brilliant sunshine in Huntsville Alabama, where we honored a brilliant young man as the recipient of the 2009 Young Ham Of The Year award, Andrew Koenig, KE5GDB. Andrew is a 15 year old rising star in the ham radio and space radio world. He not only helped set up a successful ARISS school contact but he also helps train astronauts in the ins & outs of talking to students participating in these contacts at the Johnson Space Center in his hometown of Houston, Texas. He has also helped in the maintenance and moderation of W5KUB’s chat room on his hamfest video website. He’s an engaging young man who is going places. But he didn’t do it alone:
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Award presentation audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 version of this weeks newscast at www.arnewsline.org.
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Of course, we weren’t alone in this either. Corporate sponsor CQ publishing’s Rich Moseson, W2VU on what it takes to win this award:
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Award presentation audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 version of this weeks newscast at www.arnewsline.org.
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Rich presented Andrew with a week at Spacecamp courtesy of CQ Magazine as well as copies of all of their other publications. But that’s not all. Yeasu’s Dennis Motschenbacher, K7BV:
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Award presentation audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 version of this weeks newscast at www.arnewsline.org.
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Next up was Heil Sound’s Chip Margelli, K7JA.
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Award presentation audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 version of this weeks newscast at www.arnewsline.org.
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Chip of course pulling out his cellphone making reference to his now-famous appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Next up was Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, ARRL Southeastern Division Director with congratulations for Andrew:
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Award presentation audio. Hear it by downloading the MP3 version of this weeks newscast at www.arnewsline.org.
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I dedicated this years award in the memory of a great friend to Newsline, Sandy Donahue, W4RU who passed away in May of this year. Sandy was instrumental in getting the award to Huntsville some 15 years ago and served as a greeter, taxi service or whatever we needed him to do for the winner. Sandy was a friend to all and we at the Amateur Radio Newsline miss him very much. Again, congratulations to Andrew Koenig, KE5GDB, your 2009 Young Ham Of The Year.
Thanks again to our corporate sponsors, CQ Publishing, Vertex Standard Yaesu, Heil Sound, Dave Bell W6AQ for the fine plaque, and Charlie Emerson, N4OKL and all at the Huntsville Hamfest for having us. We’ll see you again next year on the third weekend in August for the 2010 Young Ham Of The Year award.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m Don Wilbanks, AE5DW.
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Between Santa Barbara and Huntsville it was two great ham radio conventions and one very happy teenage ham. (AE5DW, ARNewsline™, YHOTY)
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NEWSCAST CLOSE
With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the Southgate News and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline™. Our e-mail address is newsline@arnewsline.org. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline's™ only official website located at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline™, P.O. Box 660937, Arcadia, California 91066.
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I’m Jeff Clark, K8JAC, saying 73 and we thank you for listening.
Amateur Radio Newsline™ is Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
__________________
Fred Lloyd, AA7BQ
Publisher, QRZ.COM
aa7bq@qrz.com